Usually I let the Q&A speak for itself however I wanted to preface this post with a small note:
After seeing RHDIV's latest deigns at Fashionably Late a few weeks back I want to make note of how impressive the quality of craftsmanship is on each piece of clothing. Particularly the cut, stitch and coloring detailing on the leather items. The incorporation of unconventional textures and materials into traditional dresses is very intriguing. I'm super excited about Rufus D IV's current body of work and fascinatingly optimistic about his future designs endeavors. Tailcoat Times is pleased to present:
WHAT PROMPTED YOUR CAREER IN FASHION?
At my high school I was able to take sewing classes! My sewing teacher inspired me everyday to learn more and create fashion with fabrics and patterns. When it was time to choose colleges I thought about Fashion Design and went for it. I attended Lasell College where I really learned more about myself as a designer. Being able to make garments for people to wear from an idea in my head is always exciting every day and I love having a career where you are constantly pushing yourself to be more creative.
WHICH PHOTOGRAPHER, DESIGNER OR MODEL WOULD YOU LIKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO COLLABORATE WITH?
Iris Van Herpen would be my dream designer to work with. She is always pushing the creative boundaries with textiles and shapes. Her 3D printing and laser cut garments are so extravagant and inspire me to push myself when designing. Really bringing your designs to the next level and thinking far beyond anyone else.
WHO INSPIRES YOU THE MOST IN FASHION?
Rihanna, always. She has so much fun with fashion and what she wears to award shows or even just her everyday wear always inspires me. She is a strong woman who doesn't take no for an answer and is always evolving herself with her music and style. That is the type of woman who I design for. Someone who loves to take risks with what they wear.
HOW DO YOU BALANCE CREATIVITY WITH COMMERCE?
. I always make sure to keep a part of me as a designer in each garment I make whether it is for a customer from their ideas or something I create from my ideas. It makes it special for the customer to feel like they have a one of a kind garment that is not mass produced and sold to everyone.
WHAT KIND OF FEEDBACK HAVE YOU RECEIVED ON YOUR LATEST PROJECTS?
Lots of positive feedback, which is great! I recently showed at Fashionably Late at The Liberty Hotel on March 16th and I am showing again on May 4! My last collection was different from anything I have done in the past! I used to only design in different shades of black and now I am incorporating color into my garments and playing with style lines more.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOU / YOUR BRAND IN 5 YEARS TIME?
I see myself still evolving as a designer and pushing myself creatively. I want to venture into men's wear and put my own spin on the garments men wear and offer more options instead of the traditional silhouettes you see today in stores
